What’s cool, hot, and a total crowd-pleaser? [If you answered “I am,” props to you for being so confident. But no, sweetie, I’m not talking about you.] I’m talking about none other than the spicy cucumber margarita, a drink that I’ve enjoyed variations of for several years at bars in NYC like Los Dados. Any fresh-ingredient bar should be offering this cocktail for this time of year–cool, fresh muddled cucumber paired with a slice of jalapeno, your sweetener of choice, lime juice, and your favorite agave spirit–it’s a simple-yet-invigorating drink that you can have all night.

So when Kara Newman asked me last month to participate in her virtual cocktail party celebrating her spicy cocktail book, Spice & Ice, choosing to make Kara’s Spicy Cucumber Margarita was a no-brainer. Cocktail bloggers from all over joined in making recipes from the book, altering them as desired, and then posting pictures and recipes for all to enjoy, at least virtually. And seeing that I love hosting parties anyway, I quickly decided to have a small group of friends over to my Brooklyn crib for an impromptu cocktail jam featuring Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, Partida Blanco, and Tequila Ocho Anejo.

I changed Kara’s recipe slightly by using agave nectar instead of Gran Marnier or Cointreau. Although orange liqueur is lovely in this drink, agave nectar allows the essence of the agave spirit to play a strong note–and I was playing with some amazing agave spirits. My friends and I shook up spicy cucumber margaritas using both jalapeno and habanero chiles, and variations using the mezcal and the tequilas. Needless to say, the shakers were rattling all night–my friends, whether cocktail buffs or newbies, couldn’t get enough of the pale green rascals. I offered quick and easy quesadillas stuffed with vegetarian chili and cheese, and the margaritas paired perfectly. It all made for a lovely night, I didn’t have to spend that much, and they were nice enough not to wreck the place.

In case you haven’t noticed, the holidays are approaching faster than a speeding balloon boy. Since many of us are pinching pennies this year, I thought I would kick off my cocktailian gift guide series with a list of DIY projects for those looking to do something homemade (and inexpensive). Keep in mind, if you’re doing an infusion, you’ll want to get started now so those flavors can sink in! Also, be sure to use triple-sanitized, airtight bottles to contain your concoctions. I’ve linked to the experts for instructions on relatively easy gifts you can make with a quick trip to the supermarket and liquor store: